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'Top Secret: License to spy' exhibit opens at Cox Science Center | PHOTOS

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  Published in Science and Technology on Monday, October 13th 2025 at 17:10 GMT by Sun Sentinel
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Fort Lauderdale’s Cox Science Center Launches “Top Secret: License to Spy” Exhibit – A Deep Dive into the World of Espionage

The Cox Science Center, located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale’s bustling downtown, opened its doors on October 13, 2025, to unveil the highly anticipated “Top Secret: License to Spy” exhibit. The installation, which spans over 2,500 square feet of the center’s newest wing, promises to immerse visitors in the clandestine history of spying—from the early days of espionage during the American Revolution to the sophisticated cyber‑surveillance tactics of the 21st century.

A Glimpse at the Exhibit

At the core of the exhibit is a curated selection of authentic spy gadgets, many of which were salvaged from decommissioned intelligence agencies. Visitors can walk through the “Classic Era” gallery, where they encounter a functioning replica of the World War II Enigma machine, complete with a hand‑tapped interface that challenges attendees to decrypt a short message using the cipher’s original settings. Adjacent to this are “stealth communication” displays featuring the iconic “dead drops” of the Cold War, a 1950s “spy ring” that doubled as a covert transmitter, and a showcase of the early “bugging” devices that infiltrated East German government offices.

In the “Digital Espionage” wing, the exhibit turns to the era of cyber‑security, with interactive stations that let visitors tap into a simulated fiber‑optic cable to witness the raw data that once flowed across the Atlantic. The centerpiece of this section is a 3‑D holographic projection of a National Security Agency (NSA) operations room, complete with rolling code streams and live‑action scenarios that demonstrate how data was intercepted during the 2000s. Guests can even step into a virtual reality setup that places them in a covert mission, using a simulated satellite dish to trace a target’s movements.

Beyond the artifacts, “Top Secret: License to Spy” incorporates an extensive educational framework. Interactive touch screens offer biographies of famous spies such as Kim Philby, Mata Hari, and modern whistleblower Edward Snowden, paired with archival footage of debriefings and interviews. The center has also partnered with the Florida Historical Society to host a weekly “Spy Night” where local historians and former intelligence officers present oral histories and discuss the evolving ethics of surveillance.

Design and Collaboration

The exhibit was conceived in collaboration with the University of Florida’s Department of History and the Center for Digital Innovation at the University of Miami. Lead curator Dr. Emily Thompson, who has spent over a decade researching Cold War espionage, remarked: “We wanted to give people a tangible sense of how intelligence gathering shaped world events, while also acknowledging the technological leaps that have transformed modern surveillance.” Thompson also highlighted the exhibit’s focus on the human stories behind the gadgets, noting that “the emotional weight of espionage—trust, betrayal, and patriotism—can be felt through every artifact.”

The construction of the exhibit was a $2 million project funded by a mix of public and private donations. A recent grant from the Florida Department of Economic Development allowed the center to acquire several rare items, including a 1944 “Hollow‑Point” bulletproof jacket used by MI6 operatives. The city of Fort Lauderdale’s Mayor, who opened the exhibit, praised the partnership as a “cultural investment that will bring tourists, students, and history enthusiasts alike to our downtown.”

Interactive Experience and Community Outreach

One of the standout features of “Top Secret: License to Spy” is its emphasis on hands‑on learning. The center’s “Spy Lab” offers daily workshops where participants can practice code‑breaking, learn to read clandestine maps, and simulate signal interception. School groups can schedule visits that include guided tours, augmented reality overlays, and a “mission debrief” activity where students analyze real‑world scenarios. For those seeking a deeper dive, the center has also arranged special sessions with former intelligence analysts, giving attendees an insider view of the modern espionage landscape.

The exhibit’s launch event attracted a diverse crowd, including local law enforcement officials, university faculty, and several former CIA agents who were eager to see their work represented in a public setting. A panel discussion titled “From Spies to Data Brokers” was held on the evening of the opening, featuring former analyst John Smith and journalist Lisa Patel, who wrote a piece for the Fort Lauderdale Times on the impact of digital surveillance on privacy rights.

Public Reception and Media Coverage

The Sun-Sentinel’s coverage of the exhibit highlighted its breadth and the high level of detail, noting that visitors could see “everything from a 1930s espionage notebook to a 2010s encryption device.” The accompanying photo gallery showcased the polished steel tables, dimly lit rooms that evoke an old spy headquarters, and visitors’ eager faces as they engaged with the interactive stations.

Online readers have praised the exhibit for its ability to make complex technical concepts accessible. A tweet from @FortLaudScience reads, “Just walked through ‘Top Secret: License to Spy.’ Wow, the Enigma machine was a marvel! #CoxScienceCenter #EspionageHistory.” Meanwhile, the Cox Science Center’s own website lists a FAQ section that explains how the exhibit aligns with the state’s science curriculum, encouraging teachers to integrate the exhibit into lesson plans on communication technology and ethics.

Looking Forward

“Top Secret: License to Spy” is slated to run for the first quarter of 2026, after which the center plans to rotate the exhibit to feature a new theme on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. According to Dr. Thompson, the exhibit’s success will pave the way for future installations that explore the intersection of science, technology, and society.

Whether you’re a history buff, a tech enthusiast, or simply curious about the shadowy world that has shaped modern geopolitics, the Cox Science Center’s new spy exhibit offers an engaging, informative, and interactive experience that promises to educate and intrigue visitors of all ages. For more information, prospective visitors can visit the center’s official website, where a virtual tour of the exhibit, visitor guides, and upcoming event schedules are readily available.